SEMESTER TWO
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CONTENTS COUNCIL UPDATE................................................. 01 FROM THE PRINCIPAL........................................... 02 P&F GUEST SPEAKER SERIES..............................04 SUSTAINABILITY AMBASSADORS........................ 06
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Q&A: SAIEESHA YOGESAN...................................08
P&F GUEST SPEAKER SERIES
MERCI BEAUCOUP MR ROBOTO.......................... 09 THAT WINNING FEELING...................................... 10 THE END OF AN ERA............................................. 12 GOOD CLEAN FUN................................................ 14 BOLD...................................................................... 16 A SAINTLY 50 YEARS............................................ 18 COLOURFUL CONCENTRATION........................... 22 HAIFA’S PERSISTENCE.......................................... 24 BON APPÉTIT!........................................................ 25
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From the Principal
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St Hilda’s Day
UNDEBATABLE...................................................... 25 ST HILDA’S NIGHT SCHOOL.................................. 25 GREASE GALLERY................................................. 26 OLIVIA GALLERY................................................... 28 STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY.................................... 30 THE GREEN CLASSROOM..................................... 32 P&F UPDATE..........................................................34 OLD SCHOLARS ASSOCIATION............................ 36
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THE END OF AN ERA
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THE GREEN CLASSROOM
COUNCIL UPDATE Earlier this year, the St Hilda’s Council undertook the recruitment and appointment of a new Principal, for 2019 onwards, following the resignation of Mrs Kiepe. We look forward to welcoming Mrs Fiona Johnston as our 13th Principal when she commences in January 2019. Fiona was the outstanding candidate and we are excited about what she will bring to the role. The School Council were very pleased to welcome Professor Deborah Terry AO as a member of the School Council. Professor Terry was appointed Curtin University’s Vice-Chancellor in February 2014 and is the immediate past President of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA) and member of the Board of Universities Australia. She is also on the Board of AARNET, Australia’s Academic and Research Network and a past Chair of the Australian Council of Learned Academies and the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts in the Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences.
Professor Terry completed her PhD in Social Psychology at the Australian National University. She had a distinguished career at the University of Queensland, initially as an internationally recognised scholar in psychology, before progressing through a number of senior leadership roles, including Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and was made an Officer in the General Division (AO) in June 2015 for distinguished service to education in the tertiary sector. I would like to congratulate Joshua Thomson SC on his appointment as Solicitor General WA. Joshua has been a member of the St Hilda’s School Council since 2016 and sits on the Governance Committee.
OSA president, and member of Council, announced at the OSA AGM on 15 October. In December, the Boarding House refurbishment will commence, with a focus on community spaces for our boarding families to enjoy recreational time together as well as increased multi-purpose amenity space for the girls and general upgrade. The first phase will be completed in time for the girls to return in 2019, with the Year 7-8 area to be completed by the end of Term 1, 2019. This is an exciting development and we are sure the Boarders and their families will enjoy the new spaces. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Year 12 cohort as they undertake their final exams and for their future plans next year and beyond.
Congratulations to Anu van Hattem on her service with the Old Scholars Association, she has served as President since 2015, and will have a continued position with School Council. Welcome to Treffina Dowland as the incoming
“We congratulate Mrs Kim Kiepe on her appointment as Principal of Somerville House in Brisbane and look forward to the School community coming together to acknowledge all Mrs Kiepe’s achievements and contributions made while at St Hilda’s at various functions this term.” Ms Nita Peploe Chair of Council
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL What a joy it has been to lead St Hilda’s throughout the past four years! It has been a privilege and an honour to see over 500 young women graduate from our wonderful school during this time. It has also been a pleasure to connect with many Old Scholars at local, national and international reunions. I have really enjoyed getting to know past students, whether it be through occasions like the annual 70+ morning tea in the School Hall or at one of the reunions hosted in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Margaret River, Hong Kong, Singapore and Jakarta. St Hilda’s girls are interesting people who collectively make a diverse contribution to society and I am always fascinated to learn about their post school journey at alumni events. It is also important to acknowledge the St Hilda’s staff for their commitment to achieve the Vision that we determined in 2015. Our Vision of preparing girls for the future by developing tenacity, confidence and compassion has been enacted in practice, as measured by our key clients – our students. On reflection, based on the measures of student and parent feedback, academic results, our extensive and varied cocurricular programs, in conjunction with the achievements of our Old Scholars, St Hilda’s is working successfully in achieving its purpose to provide a vibrant school community that educates and inspires girls for life. Recent forays into crafting the School’s Master Plan through consultation with architects, the Building and Grounds Committee and other key stakeholders means that planned development over the next 25 years will revitalise and upgrade
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“St Hilda’s is working successfully in achieving its purpose to provide a vibrant school community that educates and inspires girls for life”.
existing facilities to provide an advanced educational environment for St Hilda’s students long into the future. In our planning, it has been essential to create an Educational Plan that has influenced the design of innovative, flexible and collaborative facilities that will provide for both current and future St Hilda’s learners of tomorrow’s generation. Our boarding house celebrates its 18th birthday this year, and it is timely that resources are directed towards refurbishment of our boarders’ home at St Hilda’s. The project team has progressed the design concepts and I am excited to share the planned Stage 1 refurbishment works with you. • The creation of a new reception area including a family retreat with end-ofjourney facilities and small kitchenette • Refurbishment of bathrooms in Durack, Balla Balla and Molloy • Increase natural light to each room in Balla Balla • Creation of enclosed gym in the west facing courtyard • Larger communal spaces in Durack and Molloy • Refurbishment of current activity room into a multi-purpose flexible recreation space. The works are planned to commence early December, with the majority of the project planned for completion prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2019, with works in Balla Balla continuing until the end of Term 1. Stage 2 of the project is set down for
December 2019/ January 2020, with refurbishment planned for Upper Margaret and the Year 12 area.
and using the recreational spaces that so many people have worked hard to provide for them.
Our Junior School students are enjoying their newly created Nature Playground areas, which have been officially named “Mamong Neernt Kulungah Waabiny” which translates as “Whale Tail Children Playing” and “Koombah Boodiah Kulungah Waabiny” translated as “Large Land Children Playing”. These playgrounds will be affectionately known as “Mamong” and “Waabiny”. I am delighted to see the children enjoying these spaces and thank the generous sponsorship by many parents for the funding to make this possible.
There are many people to acknowledge at the closing of this academic year and as my time as Principal at St Hilda’s comes to an end. I extend my true gratitude and thanks to everyone who has been inspirational and encouraging of me during my Headship. Special thanks are extended to past Principals, Joy Shepherd and June Jones, OAM. I also recognise the St Hilda’s executive leadership team, teaching staff, support staff, the School Council and members of the wider school community. Unreserved admiration is extended to each and every student, who are the reason why teachers enjoy teaching so much.
Whilst in our renovation mode, we have recently begun refurbishing a new space for our Year 12 Class of 2019, by creating a new Common Room for them. The Common Room is on the ground floor of Catherine House, adjacent to the Student Wellbeing Centre. As a Senior’s privilege, I know the girls will appreciate using this 21st century collaborative space, designed for both relaxation and working together. Our wonderfully dedicated and professional teachers and support staff have not been forgotten in the makeover of facilities. With newly renovated staffrooms for Maths and English and Humanities staff, plus the complete makeover of the Bay View Staffroom, it has resembled a season of The Block television series. The Chidley Staffroom is in for the same treatment over the course of the summer break. It has brought me personal joy to see our students and staff learning in the educational
We all share a great love for St Hilda’s, and I know in passing the leadership onto Mrs Fiona Johnston, that the School will be in very good hands with her energetic leadership style. I also wish a successful final year to our Class of 2019 and all the joys that leading brings to our student leaders and Head Girl Chloe Fretwell. In closing, I extend to all members of the St Hilda’s community my very best wishes for a happy and relaxing festive season and many good wishes for the future. Warm regards Kim Kiepe
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P&F GUEST SPEAKER SERIES
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Mrs Kim Kiepe with Madonna King
St Hilda’s secured six adolescence experts to speak to the School community over the past year. Following a request for support of a series of Guest Speakers to provide parent education on topical issues, the St Hilda’s Parents’ and Friends’ Association agreed to fund relevant guest speakers for parents and daughters. As a result, the P&F Guest Speaker Series was instigated. “The P&F Guest Speaker Series provided an assortment of speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise to current parents, prospective parents and parents from the wider community,” Mrs Kiepe said.
“It is appropriate to acknowledge the generosity of the P&F, in their response to my proposal put forward at the 2017 Annual General Meeting,” Journalist and author Madonna King was the inaugural speaker in September 2017, and fittingly rounded out the Speaker Series in September 2018. King is the author of ‘Being 14: Helping Fierce Teens Become Awesome Women’, which features interviews with Mrs Kiepe. “The School is committed to providing the most recent research on how girls think, learn, and grow, and what the practices might be for preparing them for an ever-changing future,” Mrs Kiepe said. “When my career in the teaching profession began in the early 1980s, I never imagined the
current world where teachers and parents are confronted by the issues of sexting, online grooming, naked selfies, cyber-bullying and so on,” Mrs Kiepe said. “The challenges I faced as a 14-year-old are vastly different to those faced by the post-millennials. Smoking and illicit cannabis use by teens is now at its lowest rate since records began, however, the new reality of 24-hour connectivity can rule (and ruin) the lives of our teenagers. It impacts their sleep patterns, academic results, friendships, self-perception and damages mental health. It is so important that parents and educators work together to learn the most effective ways of managing these ongoing challenges.” Adolescent alcohol and drug expert Paul Dillon visited in March this year, speaking to students and parents separately, followed by bestselling author and ‘girl champion’ Dannielle Miller in April. “From a student’s stance, I think they have this “I am not alone realisation moment”,” Mrs Kiepe said. “So, when Dannielle Miller is talking about the polarising angst versus happiness moments, a girl can click with that and begin to understand that it’s fairly normal for adolescent girls to experience the emotional rollercoaster ride from time to time.”
to understand their emerging teenagers in July. The West Australian columnist and CEO of Nature Play WA Griffin Longley spoke in August about the importance of letting kids take (safe) risks, and Madonna King spoke for the second time in 12 months at St Hilda’s in September. Mrs Kiepe said she was pleased St Hilda’s was able to secure such highly revered experts to speak to students, staff, parents and the wider community. “Parents who know what to expect in the adolescent years can cope with it better,” Mrs Kiepe said. “I also believe the more you know, the better you can prepare, so hearing from experts really can be beneficial for parents presenting consistent and realistic expectations of their teenage daughter.” “As a St Hilda’s girl, I believe that our students are supported by a strong proactive pastoral program that focuses on Student Wellbeing,” she said. “We anticipate the social and emotional challenges of childhood and adolescence and equip our students with strategies to deal with situations when they occur. St Hilda’s wants to develop girls who have tenacity, confidence and compassion.”
Rebecca Sparrow, another accomplished Australian author and columnist whose expertise lies in teenage girls’ behaviour, spoke at St Hilda’s in May, and Graham Hyman spoke to parents about strategies ‘Let kids take risks’ - Griffin Longley
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“Look around, our earth is quite clean. Come back in 20 years and there’ll be a big difference. What’s the difference? Rubbish everywhere.”
Year 5 Sustainability Ambassadors being filmed to promote their Sustainable Bags initiative. View the video at youtu.be/RAjyF0SRaH4
With the supermarket plastic bag ban coming into place on 1 July this year, our Year 5 Sustainability Ambassadors came up with the idea of making sustainable bags to do their part in reducing plastic waste in the local community. Fabric for the bags was kindly donated by St Hilda’s families, and some parents also kindly volunteered to help with the cutting and sewing. Supervised by Mrs Beth Stubbs, the girls dedicated many hours to the planning and making of the bags before selling more than 30 of them. A great success! The Sustainability Team also took part in rubbish collections, planting seeds to make a herb and vegetable garden, battery recycling, and Waste Free Wednesdays; an initiative to provide minimal packaging in lunches.
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Q&A WITH SAIEESHA YOGESAN Year 10 student Saieesha Yogesan got the chance to meet and work alongside Nobel Prize winner and gastroenterologist Professor Barry Marshall on her work experience placement at the Barry Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training at UWA.
Why did you pursue Work Experience at the Barry Marshall Centre? My father is a research scientist who works in the field of ophthalmology. He is my idol, and I am inspired by his work. He helped to organise Work Experience as he works with Barry Marshall, who is a gastroenterologist and Nobel Prize laureate. What did you learn from Professor Marshall? I learnt lots about Helicobacter Pylori, as expected, and about his field of research. I followed Professor Marshall and my supervisor, Dr Alfred Tay, to meetings where I heard all about the experiments they had done with different organisms and the data they had collected.
What was your favourite experience of the week? I was asked to write an article on Helicobacter Pylori, the bacteria which Professor Marshall won a Nobel Prize for in 2005, for his achievement to prove that H.pylori infections caused peptic ulcers. Professor Marshall reviewed my article and gave constructive feedback. I later learned that my article would be published in the Medical Journal. Professor Marshall was very helpful and humble, considering all he had achieved. He also gave me a signed copy of his book, How to win the Nobel Prize, which was great because I’d love to win it one day! Has this experience inspired you to work in the Medical field? Most definitely, I would love to work in research and work towards helping people. I’m not sure exactly where yet, but most probably in ophthalmology or neurology.
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MERCI BEAUCOUP MR ROBOTO A NAO robot joined students during their French lessons this year, proving to be a useful and motivating classmate. The robot helped students to revise the contents of their course, and engages them with its catchy singing and dancing of relevant French grammar rules, as well as conversing with them about all sorts of topics. Mrs Véronique Preau, who is running this new initiative in collaboration with Curtin University, said the robot was a fantastic assistant. “My students have meaningful interactions with the robot and I love watching them try their best to be understood and persevere,” she said. “I am delighted to see the progress my students make in their French skills with this new resource.”
extension sessions and taught the students coding. “I have worked with NAO robots before but using one in a language classroom is very innovative,” Mr Cappe said. “To teach coding with such a robot is great, you can quickly start writing a program and you get a direct response from the robot.” “The human-like features and movements of a NAO robot make it attractive to students who tend to form a sort of relationship with it,” Mrs Preau added. “I have to confess that I got attached to this cute robot too and I often have to remind myself that it is just clever computer programming!”
The robot comes with some basic pre-programmed scenarios, and Mrs Preau also developed her own scenarios to match her students’ course week by week. Interested students were also given the opportunity to be involved in planning and programming new scenarios themselves. “They demonstrated great creativity and enthusiasm, so much so that the School started to run after-school sessions to enhance students’ coding skills and develop more complex scenarios for the robot to perform,” Mrs Preau said.
French students programming a NAO robot to mime and describe in French their favourite sports and hobbies.
Pierre Cappe, from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin University, helped run the
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17/18 PENNANT WINNING TEAMS IGSSA Softball Senior A Senior B Senior C IGSSA Water Polo IGSSA Champions Junior C Senior B IGSSA Swimming IGSSA Champions Year 7 Year 9 Year 10 Year 12
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IGSSA Rowing Year 9A Quad: Year 9C Quad: Year 9D Quad: Year 10A Quad: Year 10D Quad: Year 9B VIII: Year 10B VIII: Senior B Scull:
IGSSA Tennis IGSSA Champions Year 7/8 B Year 7/8 D Senior B Senior C IGSSA Cross Country IGSSA Champions Year 7 Year 10 IGSSA Netball Junior G IGSSA Hockey Junior B Year 7/8 B
HOR Winner & Consistency Pennant HOR Winner & Consistency Pennant HOR Winner & Consistency Pennant HOR Winner HOR Winner & Consistency Pennant HOR Winner HOR Winner & Consistency Pennant HOR Winner (Alex McLaren)
It has been a stellar year in sport at St Hilda’s. In Term 4 last year, our Water Polo girls won the IGSSA title equal with Santa Maria after a well contested season in both the Junior and Senior competitions. In March this year, St Hilda’s made history at the Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (IGSSA) Swimming Carnival by taking out our seventh consecutive win at the event, meaning we have won the coveted Boans Trophy more than any other school. St Hilda’s also won the title for the first time at the Junior Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (JIGSSA) Swimming Carnival the following week. Our Tennis players took out the Champion Schools Title at the end of Term 1, with many pennants won across the year levels. It was a case of déjà vu in Term 2, with our IGSSA team taking out the Interschool Cross Country title at Perry Lakes for the first time in 30 years. Our Junior School team of Year 3-Year 6 students also experienced a win in Term 3 at the Champion Schools Cross Country event, where they finished ahead of 25 other primary schools from around WA. Our Senior School track and field team produced a fabulous overall result at the IGSSA Athletics Carnival in September, placing second overall.
THAT WINNING
We do not yet know the overall Champion School results at the time of going to print, but nonetheless it has been a fantastic year in sport at St Hilda’s and we extend a big congrats to all involved.
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It has been a stellar year in sport at St Hilda’s 11
“I have always wanted to be a Police Officer.” Khiaecia Laidlaw
When Khiaecia Laidlaw walked out of the Boarding House for the last time in November, it marked the end of an era for the Laidlaw girls.
Eldest sister Mikayla left Mrs Jongenelis with a meaningful dot painting, symbolising each girls’ journey through St Hilda’s.
The youngest of four sisters, Khiaecia spent six years boarding at St Hilda’s. Her sisters Kirra, Mikayla and Shannay all boarded at St Hilda’s too – Kirra in 2009-2010, Mikayla 2009-2013 and Shannay 2010-2015, which adds up to a total of 19 years in the Boarding House between them!
“I have it hanging up in my house,” Mrs Jongenelis said.
Dean of Residential Life, Leonie Jongenelis, who has been at St Hilda’s since 1998 and will finish at the end of 2018, said it had been an absolute pleasure following the sisters through their St Hilda’s journey. “I first met the girls and their parents Tina and Kevin in Laverton in 2008 when I visited their local primary school,” Mrs Jongenelis said.
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“I was so impressed with the eagerness and aspirations expressed by the girls. They loved school and had ideas of going to university even at their very young age. The family left a very positive impression on me and I was delighted when Kirra and Mikayla were accepted at St Hilda’s in 2009. They have all made a wonderful contribution to both the boarding community and the School.”
“It’s a lovely gift and very special to me.” Khiaecia, who has been flying the flag solo for her family since Shannay left in 2015, has also made her mark during her time at St Hilda’s. Earlier this year, she was one of 55 Indigenous students from around Australia selected to attend the Work Experience in Government (WEX) Program in 2018 in Canberra. The program gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students an insight into Australian politics and government, encouraging them to explore their career paths. Khiaecia said it was an experience she enjoyed thoroughly, and she felt privileged to attend. “I heard about it (WEX) from some girls in the year above,” she said.
“I applied and was selected. It was a great trip, I learnt about politics but also about the Defence Force and Police side of things, which I am really interested in.” Khaiecia undertook an internship at Cottesloe, and then Wembley Police Station, in 2017 and 2018. “During my internship, I was able to go out on jobs and see what goes on behind the scenes; it was really interesting,” she said. “I have always wanted to be a Police Officer, I grew up in a small community with lots of crime.” Khiaecia will realise that dream in 2019, when she commences a Cadetship with WA Police.
THE END OF AN ERA
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GOOD CLEAN FUN! 14
Year 6s enjoying mud day.
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BOLD
The theme and word BOLD aligns with resilience and courage. The 2018 Student Art Exhibition showcased how our girls learn to be bold through engaging in the Visual Arts. It takes courage for young people to put their work up on public display; to show what they can do with new materials or techniques; to display their creative process and visual thinking; and, to follow one’s ideas with conviction. We praise all our exhibiting art, photography and design students for sharing their brilliant minds. Opening night was a delightful celebration and we were all inspired by the words shared by special guest, Annabelle Williams. Congratulations to all recipients of Art Exhibition Awards on the night. Ms Eliza Leano Head of Art and Design
ARTWORK BY MARNIE ALLAN, YEAR 11
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Year 5, The Johneen Beilby Encouragement Award Ginger Mazzucchelli Alex Papanaoum Kitty Williams The Senior School Encouragement Awards Year 8 Art Skyler Lloyd Emma Lamond Eva Davies Jessica Kennedy Jemima Court Year 9 Art and Design Giaan Watts Abbey Cooke
Year 9 Photography Isabella Coxon Faye Hadi Year 10 Visual Arts Cindy Wu Ella Caldwell Olivia Jacobsen
Year 12 Design Ella Holmsen Year 12 General Design Georgia Shackleton Year 12 Visual Arts Courtney McClure
Year 10 Photography Matilda Jones Olivia McLaren
Year 12 “Artemisia Award” for Outstanding Commitment to Art Annabelle Allen
Year 11 Visual Arts Marnie Allan
Year 12 “Student Art Acquisition Prize” Olivia Hill
Year 11 Design Megan Bateman
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a Saintly 50 years 18
50TH YEAR OF ST HILDA’S DAY FESTIVITIES AT ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL
St Hilda’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year on the School calendar and has been a part of our tradition since 1931. Held in October in the Senior School, it is an annual ritual to farewell our Year 12 students ahead of their exams with a patronal festival and Eucharist. St Hilda’s Day 2018 marked the 50th year of St Hilda’s Day festivities at St George’s Cathedral, and we were lucky enough to have Father Jon Cornish lead the celebrations for the first time. The inaugural St Hilda’s Day service was held in the School Hall in 1931. As student numbers grew, it was moved to St Luke’s Anglican Church in Mosman Park in the 1950s. In 1969, the service moved again, this time to its current home at St George’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, where it has remained until today. The Junior School celebrate St Hilda’s Day in November, closer to the traditional feast day on 17 November. Both services celebrate the year that has gone through prayer and song.
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National Science Week was held in Week 5 of Term 3. The Year 7 students investigated the Science of Colour, Years 7-12 challenged themselves with the Science Quiz and also showed their artistic talent to design next year’s Booklet Cover.
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View our TechTrails video at youtu.be/Dh2JTHrWOZk
To celebrate National Science Week we were honoured to have as our guest speaker, an ambassador for all scientists, the WA Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken. Professor Klinken is a leading medical research scientist who has furthered our understanding of genes involved in leukaemia, cancer and anaemia. Particularly the discovery of a gene that suppresses the growth of tumours. He was also integral in the establishment of what is now named the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research – a facility visited by numerous keen St Hilda’s science students over the years. In 2014 Professor Klinken was appointed to the role of Chief Scientist of WA and last year was recognised as a Companion to the Order of Australia.
Titration Stakes
TechTrails
On Tuesday June 19, nine Year 12 students attended the ‘ChemCentre’ at Curtin University to participate in the Titration Stakes – a chemistry competition run by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. A titration is an analytical technique used in a wide range of applications, including the analysis of food, blood, urine and mineral samples. Students learn how to perform this technique as part of their studies of acids and bases in the Year 12 Chemistry course. The competition is a test of the students’ accuracy, precision, teamwork and patience. All three teams acquitted themselves well and were fine representatives of the School. Well done to all the students; especially Isabella Coveney, Siena McQuillan and Erin Miller, who are St Hilda’s champion titration team for 2018.
On Thursday June 14, we held a very exciting STEAM incursion for our Year 10s. TechTrails is organised by Women in Technology, a volunteer organisation committed to supporting women and young people in technology, science and innovation. The incursion involved an opening address by the former WA Chief Scientist, Lyn Beazley, followed by 5 sessions with visiting speakers from various STEAM fields who engaged the students in an interactive presentation in our science labs. Thank you to the P&F Association who funded this event.
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Born four months premature, Haifa Feeney was at high risk of disability and developmental difficulties. However, not only has she beaten the odds, she has excelled in many areas. Haifa joined St Hilda’s in Pre-Primary and is now in Year 3. Through the encouragement of Junior School teachers and the sport program, Haifa has continued to improve her motor skills and always strives for her personal best. Whether it be the athletics carnival, swimming carnival or basketball, she gives it all her best shot. Haifa was inspired by the messages on St Hilda’s billboards around the area, so we thought we’d give her a ‘billboard’ in this edition of Ammonite.
HAIFA’S PERSISTENCE NEVER GIVING UP
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Undebatable
ST HILDA’S
NIGHT
SCHOOL We welcomed parents back to school one September evening for the inaugural Night School at our Bay View Campus. Learning languages can take many forms, as shown by our students from Kindy to Year 6, engaging in authentic and innovative learning experiences throughout 2018. Activities are planned according to the interest and needs of the students in each year of their development. Our Kindy students love socialising with puppets and upper primary students enjoy using technology in open-ended projects that encourage creativity and critical thinking. Year 6 cooked up a storm in French Class last term in our very first Masterchef ‘A la française’. Students researched, cooked and presented the recipe of their choice to the class in a live cooking show setting. They also used green screen technology to upgrade the videos with the insertion of a realistic background …et voilà! Bon appétit!
Bon appétit!
L-R Clancy Ellery, Vivian Tan, Eliza Smith
Our Senior debaters had a stellar year in 2018, culminating in the Year 11/12 combined team taking out the state champion title at the West Australian Debating Competition in September.
Parents engaged in current curriculum workshops at our Bay View Campus in the areas of Tweens and Teens, Working Mathematically, Fitness, Cool Chemistry, and Wellbeing, as well as experienced our facilities first-hand and got to know our teachers in a new light.
The team of Clancy Ellery (Year 11), Vivian Tan (Year 12) and Eliza Smith (Year 12) debated the topic “that scientists should politicise their research on controversial subjects” against Perth Modern School in a tightly contested debate. Eliza Smith, who competed for WA and was included in the Australian Debating Team this year, was also named the best debater in the overall competition. Our Junior School Debaters also experienced great success, taking out first place in the GOZONE Debating Inter-School Competition for the second year in a row against St Mary’s, Loreto Nedlands Primary and Presbyterian Ladies College Junior School.
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Grease 26
Your favourite Rydell High students, Danny & Sandy, The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, along with a cast of hilarious characters, hand-jived their way to Graduation in the performance of Grease.
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On her journey to the bright lights of London, Olivia is befriended by a certain Eliza Doolittle and, after a series of adventures, becomes a singer in a new Gilbert and Sullivan show, thanks to the unlikely assistance of Fagin and The Artful Dodger.
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Olivia!
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Student Photography
Special thanks again to the photography and design students who captured these fantastic shots.
Photo by Isabel Smith
Photo by Layla Barr
Photo by Shea Rafferty
Photo by Lauren Yee
Photo by Mia Raymond
Photo by Charlie Wrenn
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Photo by Zoe Christison
Photo by Elena White
Photo by Faye Hadi
Photo by Chloe Fretwell
Photo by Isabelle Fleming
Photo by Mischa Gilmour
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When educational pioneer Margaret McMillan commented, almost a century ago, that “the best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky,” she could have easily have been referring to the benefits of the Australian Army Cadet (AAC) program. These benefits were realised at St Hilda’s this year by the first ever Cadets unit of eighteen eager Year 10 students. In 2016, the Australian Army sought to “modernise, professionalise and grow” Australian Army Cadets (AAC) via the Transformation Program. One of the primary objectives of the Transformation Program was to grow cadet and cadet staff numbers, as well as to address some of the Australian Army’s diversity objectives. St Hilda’s
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Anglican School Cadet Unit (SHASCU) is the first all-female cadet unit in WA and was raised as part of the AAC Transformation Program. SHASCU ran their inaugural field training weekend of 16-17 June at the Bindoon Training Area. The weekend was planned and executed by staff member, Old Scholar and ADF Liaison and Australian Army Reserve officer, Captain Diana Boswarva. Upon completion of the weekend, the Cadets graduated from the rank of Recruit to Cadet. “It was a chance to test the skills we’ve learnt on Friday afternoons during parades,” Year 10 student Prianka Behari said.
“We took part in activities such as navigation, the radio and phonetic alphabet, field signals, camouflage and disguise, and kneeling and walking without making noise. Leading up we were taught how to keep warm, and applied that knowledge at the camp as it was cold overnight!” Captain Boswarva works alongside Mrs Angie Ranson (Head of Curriculum Services and a Defence Approved Helper) to implement the Army Cadet co-curricular program, which includes a Friday afternoon training, a field weekend once a term and an annual nine day combined training exercise in the September school holidays. “Coming from an inclusive learning difficulties
background, I am a firm believer in how the learning opportunities presented to Australian Army Cadets can translate into a mainstream classroom and inevitably correlate with enhanced student learning and performance,” Captain Boswarva said. “The AAC program offers levels of planning, leadership, risk-taking and personal development that have not previously been made available to students at the School.” The benefits of student participation in Australian Army Cadets as a school co-curricular option are vast, as indicated by current pedagogical literature which heavily advocates the correlation between exposure to the natural environment and an increase in the intellectual and creative abilities of students. The outdoor classroom, a central theme of Army Cadets, is essential for developing capacities for creativity, problem solving and intellectual development. The opportunity to plan and execute scenarios, that are subject to unexpected outdoor events, such as the consequences of an unexpected thunderstorm, is a key point of difference between the learning opportunities available in a conventional classroom and the outdoors. Uncertainty breeds creativity and resilience. Alexandra Hughes (Year 10) said it was an information evening last year that convinced her to join the St Hilda’s Unit. “When I found out we would be learning all sorts of challenging and fun skills, then putting them to use, I could not wait to be a part of Cadets,” she said. Australian Army Cadets are offered an integrated curriculum opportunity that allows them to utilise outdoor classrooms to support significant student
gains in Humanities, Science, Literacy and Maths. For example, whilst students are taught the fundamentals of mapping in Australian Curriculum (Geography) it is not until they implement those skills in the practical learning environment, such as a navigation exercise in the Bindoon Training Area, that students truly learn to appreciate concepts such as contour lines, gradients and scale. The outdoor learning environment helps to create sustainable relationships between cadets and their environment. It is important for adolescents to
personal horizons through a greater appreciation and understanding of the world the people around them. A 2005 study by Burdette and Whitaker found that “Children will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for learning in the out-of-doors.” For Amelia Beck, also Year 10, Army Cadets has helped her overcome challenges and reinforced St Hilda’s values, such as respect. “I had a really sore back, but I was able to push through in the fitness testing and overcome that,” she said. “Another challenge I faced at first was remembering to call the Captains and Lieutenants ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Sir’, but I’m now getting used to it. I like that Cadets teaches respect. I now call my teachers that sometimes because I’m so used to it!”
appreciate where resources, such as food or wood for shelter are drawn from. The curriculum offered by the AAC helps cadets to build connections between themselves and the natural environment and, in turn, helps to promote a sense of respect and duty of care for the world in which they live. One of the greatest areas of development for Army Cadets is the opportunity to enhance personal and social communication skills. The Cadet Development Curriculum encourages cadets to take personal responsibility, cooperate and respect the needs of others. The program also trains cadets to extend their
Australian Army Cadets offers a wonderful cocurricular and pedagogical opportunity with the benefits of learning and peer leadership in the natural environment, as well as a sense of purpose, self-reliance and community. SHASCU aims to complement and enhance the learning opportunities already well established at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. “The Australian Defence Force considers Cadets a very important part of their future, and it is brilliant that girls are becoming more and more involved,” Mrs Ranson said. “We look forward to continuing this is 2019 and beyond.”
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On Saturday 4 August 2018, the St Hilda’s Parents’ & Friend’s Assoc. (P&F) hosted its annual celebration of community in the School Hall on the Bay View Campus. Parents and friends had a fabulous night and thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Gatsby’ inspired decorations from the Year 11 Dinner Dance held in the same venue the night before. On behalf of the P&F I would like to sincerely thank the Year 11 parents who spent many hours organising and setting up the Gatsby installation: Keli Sertorio, Neoma Higgins, Sarah Silbert, Chevaughn & David
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Simpson-Thomas, Sarah Binns, Nadia Samie, Tracy Aniere, Gai Breakwell, Julie Van Beem, Dina Le Page, Carmen Kiggins, Gillian Sturgeon, Jonica Grayling, Anna Lee, Rita Kelly, Elizabeth Moriah, Sarah Tan, Melissa Harkins, Jenny Lord, Catriona Nixon, Keir Thubron, Sandy & Mark Walton-Ellery, Nita Peploe and Melinda Hutchison. I would also acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the P&F Cocktail Party Organising Committee: Neoma Higgins, Sharyn Arundell, Carolyn Turnbull. Thank you also to Steve Church for being our MC and entertaining guests during the night, and
to Keiko Uno Jewellery for generously donating three pieces of beautiful jewellery for the raffle. Keen to build on its traditions, the P&F is planning to hold a similar event again in 2019, again the night after the Year 11 Dinner Dance. Whilst the “theme” is yet to be revealed, we are certain the theme and the decorations will be just as impressive as they were this year. We look forward to sharing this event with you in 2019. Sally Vasudavan P&F President
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Old Scholars Association It is a pleasure to introduce Treffina Dowland (Lidbury ’83) as the new GHS & Old Scholars Association President. Treffina has a long history with the School, being one of four generations who has attended GHS & St Hilda’s. She has been heavily involved as OSA Vice President for the past five years, and a dedicated committee member since 2011. Treffina has contributed to the success of the cook book “One Fine Day” and fundraising efforts such as “Spreading our Wings” representing the Old Scholars, an initiative which resulted in the building of the new Junior School. She has worked passionately to ensure the smooth running of the annual school and community event “The Bazaar” and behind the scenes coordinates the elegant and exquisite Tea House together with a strong and committed team of volunteers. During the last holidays, Treffina had a wonderful opportunity to spend time catching up with her daughter Christabel and other Old Scholars, who are currently working in Europe. Strong friendships and ties with the School are global! On the next page, read about some of the events and activities of the GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association which took place in the second half of the year. As outgoing OSA President Anu van Hattem (Palmoja 1975), we thank her for her outstanding and passionate work in leading a dedicated committee over the past three years. She has ensured the GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association has continued to provide opportunities for social engagement and intellectual enrichment which support the St Hilda’s community. Anu continues to meet the demands of her role as Honorary Consul of Estonia, but remains very involved with the School and the OSA, a contribution for which we are very grateful. Leonora Nye Alumni Coordinator
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Career Networking Event
Career Mentoring Day
Country Lunch
A Career Networking Event which was held for a second year in a row this year focussed on “Women in Business”. This was open to the school community with over 60 people attending, including past students, current students and parents. Eliza Honey (2012) ensured the delivery of a well-organised event, and took the role as moderator at the beautiful EY (Ernst & Young) offices overlooking Elizabeth Quay. The audience heard from three guest speakers, Nita Peploe, CEO of Oryx Communities and newly appointed Chair of School Council, Anneke Brown, General Manager of COMO – The Treasury and Jay Barker, Senior Manager at EY. Each provided an informative talk about their career path, challenges and aspirations before taking questions from the audience.
This annual event is a tangible way for the OSA to remain relevant to current students. 39 Old Scholars from diverse careers returned to the School to provide information to the Year 10, 11 and 12 year groups about their career and or field of study. Feedback from both mentors and students was that this opportunity provided strengthening of knowledge, an opportunity to discover career options and pathways while mentees built self-confidence, learning how to access a variety of resources while making decisions for life beyond school.
Old Scholars Pam Casellas (Greenway 1970) together with Ruth Phelps (Rowell 1961) organised a beautiful day at St Aidan’s Winery in the Ferguson Valley for the Country Lunch. Old Scholars from Perth joined Old Scholars in the surrounding South West region at the venue and 60 guests ranged from the Class of 1944 to the Class of 1996.
This year we welcomed several of our Old Scholars who are relatively recent graduates, back to the school to address students during the year. For Nikki Heyder (2005), Jemma Dessauvagie (2003), Grace Forrest (2010), Cate Leedman (2006) and Eliza Honey (2012) the journeys have all been very different, yet all inspiring.
Scholarships and Career Development Award All OSA fundraising efforts during the year contribute to the OSA Year 11-12 Ammonite Scholarship which was awarded to Saskia Cumming; the Year 7 to 12 Academic Scholarship was awarded to Evie Hewitt. The OSA Career Development Award provides funding for an Old Scholar to undertake additional study or professional development in their chosen career. This was awarded jointly to Kate Naude (2003) and Monika Blankenburgs (2015).
70 Plus Morning Tea
“We thank Anu van Hattem for her outstanding and passionate work in leading a dedicated committee over the past three years.”
This year, the annual 70 Plus Morning Tea welcomed 140 former students from the Class of 1965 and earlier to share stories of school days and reconnect with old friends in the School Hall. This popular event saw many year groups coming together who maintain strong bonds with the School. Vivienne Jackson (1942) and Delphine Anderson (Parker 1944), both 92 years old, represented our oldest GHS students. The guests were welcomed by immediate Past President Anu van Hattem (Palmoja 1975) and Principal Mrs Kim Kiepe who introduced Father Jon Cornish.
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COVER ART: ‘A Cumulus Thought’ The brief for my photographic work entitled ‘A Cumulus Thought’ was to create an image that fit the characteristics of the surrealist fashion photography movement. Surrealism often deals with the subconscious mind and a dreamlike state placing subjects together that do not seem to fit, or appear unusual and out of place. I filled this demand by placing the figure with her head amongst the clouds. The desaturated colour scheme gives a subdued quality to my work, enhancing this style and the birds flying through the clouds give a sense that the proportions between bird and girl are unequal and unnatural. The idea of ‘head in the clouds’ and an unclear judgement are represented literally in this image as the clouds obscure the girl’s face. It makes the comment that our thoughts and mind are often masked and confused by our surroundings and that often we may need to take a step back out of our subconscious. - Ella Caldwell, Year 10.
St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls
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